Stuck with You

There’s a song that I’ve been listening to lately that I’m probably misinterpreting but got me thinking. It’s called ‘Stuck with You’ by Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber. I’m not sure if it’s acceptable for a 37 year old to be a Bieber fan yet, but I really enjoy that song. And, like I said, I’m probably reading something different into it than intended, but the sentiment to me is one of commitment. They’re saying that they’re stuck with each other, even in the midst of the tough stuff in their relationship. Here’s my favorite part: “So go ahead, and drive me insane, baby, run your mouth, I still wouldn't change, being stuck with you, stuck with you, stuck with you.” It seems no matter what happens they will remain ‘stuck’ with each other.
And if that’s not how they intended it, please just let me live in denial on this one because loyalty, commitment and ‘stuckness’ is important in life. And not just in relationships, but in most areas of our life. However, less and less it seems like commitment has significance. Instead of choosing to do business with a local gas station or family-owned business, we look for a deal online or down the road. Instead of remaining a committed ‘card-carrying’ member of a certain club, we get upset about something and we never darken the doors of that place again. And most importantly, we give up on communities and relationships when things get hard.
And I know I’m just as bad as anyone because I want a deal, I like things my way and when I get hurt by someone, I just want to walk away. But that’s not the way God intended for us to live. And I’m sure some of you won’t agree, but I believe that we should almost always stick it out and find a way to make things better rather than simply walking away. And when it gets time to walk away, I believe it should be a very last resort. It should come only when there are absolutely no other options.
When we look at the Old Testament and how God chose a specific group of people (the Israelites) to use in his plan to rescue all of creation, he was incredibly patient. In fact, despite the constant complaining, disloyalty and even evil done toward God, he remained faithful to his people for thousands of years. And even when it looked like he gave up, he was really just shifting the story.
And obviously we’re human and we live in a messed up world, but my hope is that we find a way to be better committed, more loyal and ultimately, then, have stronger communities. But it takes humility. It takes grace. It takes forgiveness. And it takes love. But I pray we strive for that. God bless.